San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis - #52 - LB
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 240 lbs. |
| Birthday | 01/25/1985 |
| Birthplace | Bruceton, TN |
| College | Mississippi |
| Years played | 7 |
| Drafted | 2007, 1st round, 11th pick by 49ers |
Shorts and Shells: Week 16
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Defense, special teams carry 49ers over Seahawks
David Akers kicked four field goals and the 49ers held on for a 19-17 victory over the Seahawks on Saturday.
49ers PK Akers sets field-goal record
David Akers made his 41st field goal of the season in Week 16, setting an NFL single-season record.
New deal for 49ers QB Smith could be coming soon
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Utility: Still in dark over Candlestick blackout
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The First Fifteen: Week 16
Previewing the early story lines including Giants-Jets, Eagles-Cowboys, Saints-Falcons and the rest of the key Week 16 matchups.
Playoff scenarios for Week 16
Four AFC teams have clinched playoffs berths and three NFC teams have done the same.
49ers beat Big Ben, Steelers 20-3
San Francisco rode its top-ranked run defense to beat Pittsburgh and its ailing QB, Ben Roethlisberger, 20-3 on Monday night.
Power outages result in Steelers-49ers delays
A power outage at Candlestick Park interrupted the second quarter of the Pittsburgh-San Francisco "Monday Night Football" game, after an earlier outage had delayed the kickoff.
Injury report for Steelers-49ers MNF game
Here is the injury report for the Week 15 Monday-night game, Pittsburgh at San Francisco, showing the status of each injured player.
Boone shapes up as solid keeper for Niners
While deemed worthy of a recent contract extension through 2015, OL Alex Boone is not considered a core player. "But he's a definite keeper," one team insider said.
NFL upholds Harrison's suspension
The NFL upheld its one-game suspension on Steelers OLB James Harrison, league spokesman Greg Aiello announced Friday.
Jed York behind 49ers' resurgence
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The First Fifteen: Week 15
Here are the top 15 story lines for Week 15 — including Tim Tebow vs. Tom Brady — which couldn't possibly be as crazy as Week 14, could it?
Playoff scenarios for Week 15
The Patriots, Ravens and Steelers are among the teams looking to clinch playoff spots this weekend.
PLAYER NEWS
Willis and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. are inactive for San Francisco, while Seattle's leading receiver, rookie Doug Baldwin, is playing despite a sore ankle.|||||||
Willis missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury.
Willis said Wednesday that the latest crackdown on dangerous and flagrant hits will make it difficult for him and other players to do what they do best.|||||||
Willis already is having a tough enough time this season without having to worry about increased restrictions. The linebacker, who has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, is off to the slowest start of his four-year career. "I thought as a defensive guy you're supposed to hit," Willis said. "You shouldn't get in trouble or fined or get a flag for just playing football."
Willis and the Niners agreed to a five-year contract extension Tuesday that takes him through the 2016 season.|||||||
This is another big offseason splash by new San Francisco personnel chief Trent Baalke, who took charge after general manager Scot McCloughan's abrupt departure in March. Locking up Willis for the long haul makes sure the 49ers keep their defensive leader after they bolstered their offense in the draft with two top linemen.
Willis has undergone surgery on his right knee to remove an inflamed fluid sac that kept him out of this year's Pro Bowl.|||||||
The 49ers said the surgery, considered minor and done about a week ago, was performed by Dr. Tim McAdams and Dr. Gary Fanton at Stanford Hospitals and Clinics in nearby Redwood City. The team will not put a timetable on Willis' return, but he isn't expected to be sidelined for long. The team will adjust his offseason conditioning and regimen as he rehabilitates.
Willis was back Monday after missing 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles injury.|||||||
Willis only participated in individual drills as the team's trainers ease him in slowly. The All-Pro linebacker suffered the injury to his right leg during a drill.